Video encoding and decoding

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 83 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the process of adding support for video files in the back-end of an application, similar to how photos are handled. This will involve creating new classes, modifying existing ones, and introducing a new NuGet package for video editing.

Step 1: Create Generic StoreMediaRequest

The first step is to create a generic StoreMediaRequest class that will serve as a base for both photo and video requests. This class will contain the common properties and methods required for storing media files.

public class StoreMediaRequest
{
    public Guid Id { get; set; }
    public string FileName { get; set; }
    public string FileExtension { get; set; }
    public string FileMimeType { get; set; }
    public int FileSize { get; set; }
    public string FileContentType { get; set; }
    public string FileDescription { get; set; }
    public DateTime CreatedDate { get; set; }
    public DateTime UpdatedDate { get; set; }
}

Next, we will replace the StorePhotoRequest in the Upload Endpoint with the new StoreMediaRequest.

Step 2: Create Factory in the Upload Endpoint

In the Upload Endpoint, we will create a factory that will create the proper MediatR request based on the file type. If the file is a photo, it will create a StorePhotoRequest, and if it's a video, it will create a StoreVideoRequest.

public class MediaRequestFactory
{
    public StoreMediaRequest CreateRequest(IFormFile file)
    {
        if (file.ContentType.StartsWith("image/"))
        {
            return new StorePhotoRequest
            {
                FileName = file.FileName,
                FileExtension = file.FileName.Split('.').Last(),
                FileMimeType = file.ContentType,
                FileSize = file.Length,
                FileContentType = file.ContentType,
                FileDescription = file.FileName,
                CreatedDate = DateTime.Now,
                UpdatedDate = DateTime.Now
            };
        }
        else if (file.ContentType.StartsWith("video/"))
        {
            return new StoreVideoRequest
            {
                FileName = file.FileName,
                FileExtension = file.FileName.Split('.').Last(),
                FileMimeType = file.ContentType,
                FileSize = file.Length,
                FileContentType = file.ContentType,
                FileDescription = file.FileName,
                CreatedDate = DateTime.Now,
                UpdatedDate = DateTime.Now
            };
        }
        else
        {
            throw new ArgumentException("Unsupported file type");
        }
    }
}

Step 3: Create New StoreVideoHandler Class

Next, we will create a new StoreVideoHandler class that will handle the video requests. This class will be responsible for storing the video file in the file system and adding metadata to the database.

public class StoreVideoHandler : IRequestHandler<StoreVideoRequest>
{
    private readonly IFileService _fileService;
    private readonly IMediaContext _mediaContext;

    public StoreVideoHandler(IFileService fileService, IMediaContext mediaContext)
    {
        _fileService = fileService;
        _mediaContext = mediaContext;
    }

    public async Task Handle(StoreVideoRequest request, CancellationToken cancellationToken)
    {
        // Store video file in file system
        await _fileService.SaveFileAsync(request.FileName, request.FileExtension, request.FileMimeType, request.FileSize, request.FileContentType, request.FileDescription);

        // Add metadata to database
        var video = new Video
        {
            FileName = request.FileName,
            FileExtension = request.FileExtension,
            FileMimeType = request.FileMimeType,
            FileSize = request.FileSize,
            FileContentType = request.FileContentType,
            FileDescription = request.FileDescription,
            CreatedDate = request.CreatedDate,
            UpdatedDate = request.UpdatedDate
        };
        _mediaContext.Videos.Add(video);
        await _mediaContext.SaveChangesAsync();
    }
}

Step 4: Create New VideoImage Class

Next, we will create a new VideoImage class that will represent the image associated with a video.

public class VideoImage
{
    public Guid Id { get; set; }
    public string FileName { get; set; }
    public string FileExtension { get; set; }
    public string FileMimeType { get; set; }
    public int FileSize { get; set; }
    public string FileContentType { get; set; }
    public string FileDescription { get; set; }
    public DateTime CreatedDate { get; set; }
    public DateTime UpdatedDate { get; set; }
}

Step 5: Create New FormattedVideo Class

Next, we will create a new FormattedVideo class that will represent the formatted video.

public class FormattedVideo
{
    public Guid Id { get; set; }
    public string FileName { get; set; }
    public string FileExtension { get; set; }
    public string FileMimeType { get; set; }
    public int FileSize { get; set; }
    public string FileContentType { get; set; }
    public string FileDescription { get; set; }
    public DateTime CreatedDate { get; set; }
    public DateTime UpdatedDate { get; set; }
}

Step 6: Introduce FFMpegCore NuGet Package

Next, we will introduce the FFMpegCore NuGet package for editing video.

Install-Package FFMpegCore

Step 7: Configure FFMpegCore

Next, we will configure FFMpegCore to use the correct settings.

public class FFMpegCoreSettings
{
    public string FFMpegPath { get; set; }
    public string FFMpegArguments { get; set; }
}

Step 8: Use FFMpegCore to Edit Video

Finally, we will use FFMpegCore to edit the video.

public class VideoEditor
{
    private readonly FFMpegCoreSettings _settings;

    public VideoEditor(FFMpegCoreSettings settings)
    {
        _settings = settings;
    }

    public async Task EditVideoAsync(string inputFilePath, string outputFilePath)
    {
        // Use FFMpegCore to edit the video
        await FFMpegCore.ExecuteAsync(_settings.FFMpegPath, _settings.FFMpegArguments, inputFilePath, outputFilePath);
    }
}

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the process of adding support for video files in the back-end of an application, similar to how photos are handled. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to implementing video support in the back-end.

Q: What are the benefits of adding video support to the back-end?

A: Adding video support to the back-end provides several benefits, including:

Improved user experience: By allowing users to upload and store videos, you can provide a more engaging and interactive experience for your users.
Increased functionality: Video support enables you to create more complex and dynamic applications, such as video streaming and editing platforms.
Enhanced content creation: By providing a platform for users to create and share videos, you can encourage content creation and community engagement.

Q: What are the technical requirements for implementing video support in the back-end?

A: The technical requirements for implementing video support in the back-end include:

Video encoding and decoding: You will need to use a video encoding and decoding library, such as FFMpegCore, to handle video file formats and compression.
Database storage: You will need to store video metadata and file information in a database, such as a relational database or a NoSQL database.
File system storage: You will need to store video files in a file system, such as a local file system or a cloud storage service.

Q: How do I handle video file formats and compression?

A: To handle video file formats and compression, you can use a video encoding and decoding library, such as FFMpegCore. This library provides a set of APIs for encoding and decoding video files in various formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV.

Q: How do I store video metadata and file information in a database?

A: To store video metadata and file information in a database, you can create a database schema that includes tables for video metadata and file information. You can then use a database ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) tool, such as Entity Framework, to interact with the database and store video metadata and file information.

Q: How do I store video files in a file system?

A: To store video files in a file system, you can use a file system library, such as the .NET File System API, to interact with the file system and store video files. You can also use a cloud storage service, such as Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage, to store video files.

Q: What are the security considerations for implementing video support in the back-end?

A: The security considerations for implementing video support in the back-end include:

Data encryption: You should encrypt video files and metadata to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
Access control: You should implement access control mechanisms, such as authentication and authorization, to restrict access to video files and metadata.
Content moderation: You should implement content moderation mechanisms to prevent the upload and sharing of explicit or objectionable content.

Q: How do I handle video streaming and playback?

A: To handle video streaming and playback, you can use a video streaming library, such as the .NET Media Foundation API, to interact with the video file and stream it to the client. You can also use a video playback library, such as the .NET Media Player API, to play back video files on the client.

Q: What are the performance considerations for implementing video support in the back-end?

A: The performance considerations for implementing video support in the back-end include:

Scalability: You should design your system to scale horizontally and vertically to handle increased traffic and demand.
Concurrency: You should implement concurrency mechanisms, such as threading and parallel processing, to handle multiple video uploads and streaming requests simultaneously.
Caching: You should implement caching mechanisms, such as in-memory caching and disk caching, to reduce the load on your system and improve performance.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to implementing video support in the back-end. We have discussed the benefits, technical requirements, and security considerations for implementing video support in the back-end, as well as the performance considerations and best practices for handling video file formats and compression, storing video metadata and file information in a database, and storing video files in a file system.